Toddler Book Club: Holiday Edition

Oh, the holidays. Everyone tells you how much more fun they are once you have kids, and they are right! Ever since December 1 hit, I’ve been doing my best to create as many holiday traditions as possible, but between Santa sightings, elf hiding, cookie baking, shopping and Christmas lights viewing, I’ve actually been pretty stressed out, which is not what the season is about. I’m sure I’m not alone. Let’s get back to the basics and focus on a tradition that’s far more meaningful, not to mention, easier. Reading! With oh ho ho so many Christmas books worth reading, we couldn’t pick just one, so check our list and check it twice for this roundup of reads for December Toddler Book Club: Holiday edition.

1. “The Christmas Story” by Jane Werner Watson. I love this Little Golden Book version of the story of baby Jesus. Even if it’s a little too wordy for your toddler, the brightly colored pictures help you to teach your child about Christmas. It’s a classic and can be found for a few dollars!

2. “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore. This one is pretty obvious, but it’s a great one to read on Christmas Eve before placing cookies out for Santa. My dad still reads this book to my sister and me every year, and I haven’t been a toddler for two (okay, three) decades. There are so many versions of this tale. I found one that doubles as an ornament, so it can be placed high on the tree and saved for Christmas Eve.

3. “Eight Jolly Reindeer.” This sparkly book is not only adorable, but also tells the story of Santa’s eight reindeer in a rhyming, counting book. This book is a quick read and perfect for a Christmas road trip to occupy that jolly little elf in the backseat of your sleigh.

4. “Little Blue Truck’s Christmas” by Alice Schertle. We love the original “Little Blue Truck” in this house, so I was excited when I found this Christmas version. It’s a cute story with a special bonus – real lights on the last page! This book is a special treat for all good boys and girls.

Since we’re reading more books this month, instead of trying to squeeze in our typical Book Club follow up activities, let’s keep things simple by taking advantage of holiday events in the area. Check out TNM’s Nashville Holiday Happenings guide. There are still several events that last throughout the month!

I’m all about keeping it simple for the rest of the season and taking the pressure off myself to make it the perfect Christmas for my son. He’s not even two. I’m pretty sure I’ve already exceeded his expectations.

Instead, I’m going to reread Jordan’s post about Mom’s Holiday Season Self-Care, take a deep breath and remind myself of what’s really important this Christmas season.

Merry Everything, mamas! Have a wonderful holiday season full of cheer, happy memories and story time snuggles.

Erin Taylor is a working mommy with a day job in corporate communications and a 24/7 gig as a mama to her son, Levi. She lives in East Nashville and loves leggings, yoga, coffee and tomato soup. She writes musings about motherhood in her blog worldssecondbestmom.wordpress.com.